Australian history By Nate.C 1770 James cook lands on Australian shores 1788 new south wales fist settlement was set up 1813 first crossing of the blue mountains in new south wales 1824 Morten bay convict settlement made 1835 Victoria settlement made 1836 South Australia settlement of Adelaide was made 1851 Gold rush began 1856 introduction of an eight hour working day 1872 free compulsory education 1902 the commonwealth acts grants the most votes of men and women